Significant Representations & High Profile Projects

Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago Bears, Chicago, IL

Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago Bears, Chicago, IL

Members of our firm represented the developer, Chicago Bears Stadium, LLC, in the $606 million renovation of Soldier Field, a historic sports and entertainment venue and a Chicago landmark. Built as a war memorial in the 1920s, Soldier Field hosts the Chicago Bears, rock concerts, professional soccer games, college bartball, and other major civic and cultural events. Even though some proclaimed it next to impossible, approximately $500 million in hard construction costs were expended on a very difficult site in merely 20 months to deliver an on-time project. The project includes a new 61,500-seat stadium built within the existing historic ring and original classic colonnades of Soldier Field; a 2,300-space underground parking deck; and more than $90 million in parkland, parking, and other infrastructure improvements.

Our partners prepared and negotiated all the contracts for the developer, procured a unique insurance program to mitigate some of the many risks, and assisted site personnel with the monitoring of construction.

Our partners also represented the developer in a complicated construction claim. The developer made claims against the design professional team for acceleration costs and other damages caused by late and uncoordinated drawings. In addition, our partners assisted in the prosecution of claims dealing with HVAC deficiencies and plumbing and mechanical problems. Among other things, our attorneys investigated and successfully resolved claims dealing with frozen pipes due to inadequate heat tracing and redesign of certain mechanical systems due to an error in code interpretation. The project risk management program included project-specific professional liability insurance. The delay and acceleration claims against the design professional teams were asserted while the project was still ongoing, resulting in a very large mediated settlement approximately three months after the facility was opened.

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia PA

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia PA

Members of our firm represented the Philadelphia Eagles in a $35 million claim against its contractor and design team that built Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The suit involved numerous design and construction errors involving several testifying experts. The matter was resolved in mediation for a significant payment to the Eagles.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL

We represented the hospital in connection with the design and construction of the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. This hospital replacement project involved more than $600 million in construction costs and opened in June, 2012. At the outset of the project, we drafted the agreements with the architect and construction manager as well as the consulting agreements for a variety of disciplines. We also assisted the hospital and its advisors on the procurement and implementation of an owner-controlled insurance program. During the course of construction and through project close-out, we provided ongoing legal services for the project in connection with various issues that arose during construction.

Prudential Center, New Jersey Devils, Newark, NJ

Prudential Center, New Jersey Devils, Newark, NJ

Our lawyers represented the New Jersey Devils in a complicated design error claim involving the Devil’s new arena in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils claimed almost $20 million in damages due to design errors and omissions alleged against the design professional team who designed the new arena . The dispute was mediated to a very successful resolution for the client.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Laurie & Brennan represented HHMI in a lawsuit against a general contractor for construction defects in a state-of-the-art biomedical laboratory and research facility in Virginia. The lawsuit was filed in state court in Virginia. The principal claim in the lawsuit related to water infiltration through a green roof system of approximately 170,000 SF that covered both laboratory space and an indoor parking garage. Widespread leakage and consequential damage to other property forced HHMI to remove and replace the entire green roof system and related components. During the course of the representation, our attorneys worked closely with experts on the remediation project to document the conditions and substantiate the claims. The claims were ultimately resolved in mediation resulting in a favorable settlement for HHMI.

Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Rush University Medical Center

Laurie & Brennan LLP represented Rush University Medical Center (“RUMC”) in a complex lawsuit and arbitration involving design and construction errors and omissions relating to RUMC’s new, state-of-the art, sustainable, 14-story East Tower Hospital Building in Chicago. RUMC through Laurie & Brennan investigated, asserted and litigated claims against RUMC’s design professionals and a contractor for design and construction defects relating to late design changes to the HVAC system and deficiencies with certain parapet walls. Laurie & Brennan, LLP also focused on analyzing, evaluating and obtaining solutions to operational capacity issues with the hospital’s HVAC system — an intricate system that must necessarily, reliably, and simultaneously serve a wide range of hospital services and functional units. Other issues included window mullion water infiltration and condensation, window sealant failures and roof membrane delamination. These matters were resolved through two separate mediations resulting in an substantial payment to our client.

One World Trade Center Reconstruction, New York City, NY

One World Trade Center Reconstruction, New York City, NY

Our lawyers represented The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the reconstruction of the One World Trade Center site. Our work included preparing and negotiating critical construction management, design, and trade contracts for One World Trade Center. It also included preparing complicated development and other cost-sharing agreements for aspects of the development. In addition, our lawyers advised The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on potential claims to assist in its risk management efforts.

Arlington International Racecourse, Arlington Heights, IL

Arlington International Racecourse, Arlington Heights, IL

Our attorneys represented the well-known owner of a signature horse racing venue regarding a complex delay claim for $30 million against a design professional. The owner claimed acceleration and delay damages resulting from the design professional’s delayed delivery of construction documents and defects in certain of the mechanical systems. This facility included extensive bard service operations with mechanical systems that were improperly designed and required significant costs to correct. The acceleration and delay damage calculation for the client broke new ground; in essence, the claim involved the preparation of 80 separate acceleration claims. The mediation to resolve the dispute resulted in a settlement and a significant payment to the client.

Chicago Blackhawks Practice Arena, Chicago, IL

Chicago Blackhawks Practice Arena

Laurie & Brennan, LLP represents Wirtz Realty Corp. in several transactional construction law matters. Matters include a new, 135,000 square-bart National Hockey League team practice facility with two full-size hockey rinks, a large fitness area, pools and locker room, concession and retail spaces as well as a twenty-story high-rise apartment tower with a five-story adjacent parking structure. Our firm handled the drafting and negotiation of the owner’s agreements with two different architecture firms, two different general contractors, an interior design firm, and an owner’s representative. Total combined construction costs for these complex projects exceed $100 million.

Laurie & Brennan, LLP represented the developer of this 45-story downtown office building to assert claims against the architect/structural engineer for defects relating to floor levelness. The defects deviated from tenant specifications and required extensive and costly remediation. Working with a renowned structural engineering firm, we discovered the error that relating to creep, shrinkage and shortening of the composite structure. We successfully mediated the case resulting in a substantial recovery for the client.

Harold O. Schulz Co. – High-end Residential Construction

Harold O. Schulz Co. – High-end Residential Construction

We represent Harold O. Schulz Co., Inc., a contractor specializing in high-end residential construction on projects in and around Chicago some of which have been featured in Architectural Digest. We provide construction legal services for all Schulz construction projects, including responding to bids and proposals; advising on bonding and insurance coverage issues and safety programs; negotiating and drafting contracts with owners, architects, and subcontractors; assisting with project close-out procedures, and advising on mechanics lien issues and other claims. We also developed contract forms for Schulz for smaller projects and periodically review and assess the company’s procedures and legal needs in terms of construction law.

Life Sciences Building at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Life Sciences Building at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

We represented Midwesco, Inc., a large mechanical subcontractor located just outside of Chicago, in the prosecution of its claims against a national mechanical engineering firm caused by the engineer’s failure to provide Midwesco and its subcontractors with a set of buildable plans to construct the mechanical system at a life sciences building located on the campus of Northwestern University. As a result of our attorneys’ strategy, Midwesco obtained a very favorable settlement not only from the mechanical engineer, but also from the owner, contractor and architect.

Aux Sable Liquid Products Plant

Aux Sable Liquid Products Plant

Our lawyers represented the owner of a liquid natural gas plant pursuing claims arising from the design and construction of the plant. The Midwestern plant is the terminus of a major natural gas pipeline originating in northern Canada. The plant processes liquids from the natural gas stream for resale to industrial customers. The client claimed damages consisting of excess costs paid to trade contractors for overtime, loss of productivity, extended general conditions, lost profits, and repair costs due to late, incomplete, and defective construction documents.

Canam Steel Corporation

Canam Steel Corporation

Our lawyers represented Canam in a lawsuit regarding the design and construction of the famous Congress Parkway Bridge in downtown Chicago, IL. The lawsuit sought collection of the amount due for the supply of steel and deck for a bridge rehabilitation. The matter was successfully and amicably resolved with a key customer.

The Spire, Chicago, IL

The Spire, Chicago, IL

Our lawyers worked with Shelbourne Development on project structuring, contracts and insurance issues for the proposed Spire, a 150-story residential tower to be located on the north bank of the Chicago River alongside Lake Shore Drive.

Nestle USA, Inc.

Nestle USA, Inc.

Our lawyers have represented Nestle USA, Inc. in revising all of its design and construction forms for all of its commercial and industrial facilities in various locations throughout the United States. This effort led to a training program for employees on the new forms. We also represented Nestle in various disputes involving their facilities.

Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Our lawyers represented Sears, Roebuck & Co. in revising all of its design, construction and procurement forms for all of its retail and logistics facilities. That effort led to a training program for employees on the new forms held at various locations throughout the country. Our lawyers also represented Sears, Roebuck & Co. in connection with a national, comprehensive survey of its facilities for compliance with various laws relating to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Our lawyers also represented Sears, Roebuck & Co. in various lawsuits relating to construction disputes at some of its individual facilities. Mr. Laurie and his team were recognized by Sears, Roebuck & Co. with the first Sears Construction World Class Partner Award.

Mandalay Baseball Properties

Mandalay Baseball Properties

Our lawyers represented an owner of a professional baseball stadium, the Dr. Pepper Ballpark, in Texas against a nationally-known architectural firm for errors and omissions claims involving several problems at the stadium.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel (f/k/a The Elysian Hotel)

Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel (f/k/a The Elysian Hotel)

Our lawyers prepared the construction contracts and represented the owner/developer in an arbitration on several cost overrun and delay issues regarding the construction of one of the only 5-star hotels and private residences in Chicago. This 59-story structure in the heart of the Gold Coast of Chicago is a one-of-a-kind high rise with a first-class spa, grand stair case, top-notch finishes and other unique characteristics. We continue to advise the owner regarding various potential and actual claims arising out of the project.

theWit Hotel, Chicago, IL

theWit Hotel, Chicago, IL

Our lawyers supervised the negotiations of the design and construction agreements for a high-end downtown hotel with several unique design features including an outdoor rooftop bar. That representation also included advising the owner during the course of construction regarding several problematic construction issues. After occupancy, the owner decided to add a movable glass roof on a portion of the rooftop bar. Our lawyers negotiated the contract for this unique feature and later represented the owner in its lawsuit against the glass roof manufacturer for various defects.

Metropolitan Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI

Metropolitan Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI

Our lawyers represented Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the development, design, and construction of a new and unique health care village that includes a replacement hospital, medical office building, health and fitness center, hotel, restaurants, and commercial and other health care related uses. The Grand Rapids hospital was relocated to 160 acres of open land in Wyoming, Michigan, to deliver health care to all of Western Michigan in what has been called a “futurist vision.” We negotiated all of the construction contracts, including the agreement with the commercial developer, and advised the owner on insurance programs to assist in mitigating the construction risks.

UIC Forum

UIC Forum

This case involved a dispute in the Circuit Court of Cook County over design and construction deficiencies in multi-use development on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Members of our firm represented the architect successfully in an expeditious pre-discovery resolution very early in the litigation process.